STMicroelectronics VB326SP
- Part No.:
- VB326SP
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Package:
- PowerSO-10 Exposed Bottom Pad
- Datasheet:
-
VB326SP.pdf
- Description:
- IC PWR DRVR BIPOLAR 1:1 PWRSO10
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,781
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Product details
Overview
VB326SP from STMicroelectronics is a high-voltage ignition coil driver power IC built on VIPower™ M1-3 technology, featuring vertical current flow Darlington output and logic-level input compatibility. It delivers 10 A collector current with internally set 360 V high-voltage clamp, 6.5 A flag-trigger threshold, and thermal shutdown at 150 °C - designed for electronic ignition systems in internal combustion engines.
For engineers reviewing the VB326SP datasheet, VB326SP pinout, VB326SP application, or VB326SP equivalent, this device serves as a smart, self-protected interface between microcontroller dwell control signals and high-energy ignition coils - with critical attention to coil current limiting, low-voltage clamp behavior, and diagnostic flag timing accuracy.
Technical Context
The VB326SP integrates a vertically structured Darlington power stage with quasi-proportional base drive, enabling precise coil current regulation without external sense resistors. Its internal current limit (9–11 A) and voltage clamping (320–420 V) operate autonomously during saturation-to-desaturation transitions.
Diagnostic functionality centers on an open-emitter FLAG pin that asserts high when coil current exceeds 6.15–6.85 A, with temperature-stable threshold drift. The ENABLE pin provides external override capability, forcing output off regardless of INPUT state when pulled high to ≥2 V.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Collector Voltage Clamp | 360 V typical - limits primary coil flyback voltage to prevent destructive overvoltage during switch-off |
| Coil Current Limit | 10 A max - sets maximum energy storage in ignition coil without external sensing |
| Flag Threshold Current | 6.5 A ±0.35 A - triggers diagnostic output precisely at defined coil conduction level |
| Thermal Shutdown | 150 °C - disables output to prevent thermal runaway under sustained overload |
| Turn-off Time | 15–25 µs - ensures rapid coil de-energization for accurate spark timing control |
| Logic Supply Range | 4.5–5.5 V - compatible with standard 5 V automotive microcontroller I/O |
| Enable Pin Threshold | 2 V high-level, 0.4 V low-level - supports robust noise-immune enable/disable control |
Pinout & Package
VB326SP uses PowerSO-10™ package: thermally enhanced 10-pin surface-mount housing with exposed metal tab (HVC connection) for high-current primary coil drive and efficient heat dissipation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 5 LGND | Signal Ground | Reference for logic circuitry and flag output; must be externally tied to pins 2–4 |
| 2–4 GND | Emitter Power Ground | High-current return path for Darlington emitter; shared with LGND via PCB trace |
| 6 E | Enable Input | Active-high enable: ≥2 V forces output OFF independent of INPUT state |
| 7 VCC | Logic Supply | 5 V ±10% supply for internal driver and protection circuits |
| 8 BD | Darlington Base | Internally driven base node; not user-accessible - used only for internal current mirroring |
| 9 INPUT | Logic Input | CMOS-compatible input with internal pull-down; ≥4 V enables coil charging |
| 10 FLAG | Diagnostic Output | Open-emitter flag asserting high when coil current >6.5 A; requires external pull-up |
| TAB HVC | Primary Coil Driver | High-current open-collector output connected directly to ignition coil primary winding |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Internally Set High-Voltage Clamp | 360 V clamping prevents coil-induced voltage spikes from damaging downstream circuitry |
| Quasi-Proportional Base Drive | Enables stable coil current regulation without external current-sense resistor or feedback loop |
| Low-Voltage Clamp During Overheating | Reduces collector current smoothly when junction temperature reaches 150 °C - avoids abrupt spark loss |
| Integrated Diagnostic Flag | Provides real-time coil current status at 6.5 A threshold with <±0.35 A tolerance across temperature |
| Robust Transient Immunity | Withstands +100 V/0.2 ms and −100 V/2 ms battery line transients per ISO 7637-2 |
Applications
| Automotive Ignition Control | Motorcycle Electronic Ignition |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Microcontroller-based dwell time and spark timing control in 4-cylinder gasoline engine ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side coil driver with integrated current limiting and diagnostic flag for closed-loop dwell calibration. Use Value: Eliminates need for external current sense amplifier and discrete protection diodes - reduces BOM count by 4 components. | Use Scenario: Compact ignition module for single-cylinder two-stroke motorcycle with limited PCB space. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Direct logic-level interface between 3.3 V MCU and 580 mΩ/3.75 mH ignition coil. Use Value: Enables sub-5 µs turn-on and 25 µs turn-off timing resolution - critical for high-RPM spark accuracy. |
| Small Engine Ignition Systems | Aftermarket Ignition Modules |
Use Scenario: Universal ignition controller for lawnmowers, generators, and marine outboard engines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Smart power switch with thermal foldback and flag-based current monitoring for field diagnostics. Use Value: Self-protects against coil short-circuits and overheating - extends field reliability beyond 10,000 operating hours. | Use Scenario: Retrofit electronic ignition upgrade for classic vehicles with points-based distributors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Drop-in replacement for mechanical breaker points, driven by Hall-effect or reluctor sensor signals. Use Value: Provides consistent spark energy across 5.3–24 V battery range - eliminates point wear and timing drift. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-voltage ignition driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| STGD3HF60L | 600 V, 3 A IGBT with separate gate driver; no integrated current limit or flag output | Requires external current sense, comparator, and protection logic - higher design complexity | Preferred when higher voltage margin (>420 V) is required and system-level diagnostics are implemented externally |
| TPIC8101 | 105 V max clamp, 3.5 A continuous; integrated SPI interface and multiple channel control | Limited to low-energy coils; unsuitable for 10 A primary current or 360 V flyback | Applicable only in multi-coil distributorless systems where lower voltage/current suffices and digital configuration is needed |
Compared with STGD3HF60L and TPIC8101, the VB326SP uniquely combines 10 A drive capability, 360 V clamp, and autonomous 6.5 A flag triggering in a single PowerSO-10™ package - making it the only solution requiring zero external current sensing or protection components for standard automotive ignition coils.
Availability
VB326SP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ignition control, motorcycle electronic ignition, and small engine ignition systems requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for VB326SP includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, specializing in power management, automotive ICs, and embedded processing solutions.
The VB326SP belongs to ST's VIPower™ family - engineered specifically for ruggedized, high-current automotive power switching applications where integration, thermal resilience, and diagnostic capability are essential.
FAQ
What is the function of the ENABLE pin on VB326SP?
The ENABLE pin is an active-high control input that forces the VB326SP output OFF regardless of the INPUT signal state when pulled to ≥2 V. It provides hardware-level safety override, allowing external circuitry (e.g., engine stop logic or fault detection) to disable ignition drive independently of the microcontroller's dwell signal.
Does VB326SP require an external current-sense resistor?
No. The VB326SP implements internal current limiting and flag threshold detection using quasi-proportional base drive architecture. Coil current is regulated and monitored without any external sense resistor - reducing component count, board area, and calibration effort while maintaining ±0.35 A flag threshold accuracy across −40 °C to 125 °C.
How does the low-voltage clamp feature protect the device during thermal overload?
When junction temperature reaches 150 °C, the VB326SP initiates low-voltage clamp mode: collector voltage drops to 30–50 V while coil current smoothly decreases. This avoids sudden spark cutoff and prevents thermal runaway - enabling safe, graceful degradation instead of catastrophic failure during sustained overload conditions.
Can VB326SP drive ignition coils with inductance values outside the 3.75 mH specification?
Yes - the VB326SP supports coil inductances from 1.5 mH to 6 mH, as verified by avalanche energy testing (180 mJ at 6 mH). However, dwell time must be adjusted per coil L/R ratio to ensure full current ramp to 10 A before spark trigger; tON remains ≤5 µs across this range at 13 V battery voltage.
VB326SP Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Package/Case:
- PowerSO-10 Exposed Bottom Pad
- Series:
- VIPower™
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Switch Type:
- General Purpose
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Ratio - Input:Output:
- 1:1
- Output Configuration:
- Low Side
- Output Type:
- Bipolar
- Interface:
- Parallel
- Voltage - Load:
- 30V (Max)
- Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd):
- 4.5V ~ 5.5V
- Current - Output (Max):
- 11A
- Rds On (Typ):
- -
- Input Type:
- Non-Inverting
- Features:
- Status Flag
- Fault Protection:
- Over Temperature
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 10-PowerSO
VB326SP FAQ
1.How can I place an order for VB326SP through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for VB326SP on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for VB326SP reliable?
The price and inventory of VB326SP are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for VB326SP is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for VB326SP?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for VB326SP transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for VB326SP?
VB326SP orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your VB326SP order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for VB326SP?
For technical support, including VB326SP datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your VB326SP requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that VB326SP is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All VB326SP products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that VB326SP meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of VB326SP?
All VB326SP units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with VB326SP, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The VB326SP part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for VB326SP:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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